Creating a beautiful home isn’t just about picking the right colours or investing in expensive furniture. The difference between amateur and professional interior designers often comes down to fundamental principles that many overlook. Let’s dive into the most common interior design mistakes that could ruin your space and, more importantly, how to fix them!
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1. Your Furniture Is Too Small (Yes, Really!)
One of the biggest mistakes people make is choosing furniture that’s too small for the space. You might think that a “perfectly sized” sofa is just right, but in reality, it’s probably 20% smaller than what would look best.
How to Fix It:
- Always go slightly bigger than what initially feels right.
- If you’re unsure, use painter’s tape to mark out the dimensions before buying.
- Scale is key: larger furniture pieces make a space feel luxurious and well-proportioned.
2. Bad Lighting Can Ruin Everything
People obsess over paint colours, but even the most perfect palette will look dull under bad lighting. Without proper lighting, your space will feel either too harsh or too dim, throwing off the entire ambience.
How to Fix It:
- Layer your lighting! Use a combination of task lighting (for workspaces), ambient lighting (for general illumination at eye level), and accent lighting (for mood and highlights).
- Arrange light sources in triangles around the room to create balance and depth.
- Don’t rely solely on overhead lights; table lamps, sconces, and floor lamps make a world of difference.
3. Overmatching Kills Character
When everything matches too perfectly, your space starts to feel like a showroom instead of a lived-in home. A little contrast and variation bring personality and warmth.
How to Fix It:
- If your nightstands match, mix up the lamps.
- If your dining chairs match, swap out the head chairs for something different.
- Introduce varied textures and materials to create a layered, inviting look.
4. The “Push Everything Against the Walls” Syndrome
Many people think pushing furniture against the walls will make a room feel larger, but it does the opposite, it creates dead space in the centre and makes the room feel awkwardly empty.
How to Fix It:
- Float your furniture: pull sofas and chairs inward to create more intimate, conversational seating areas.
- Define spaces with area rugs to ground your furniture.
- Think about the flow of movement and make sure the arrangement encourages natural traffic patterns.
5. Hanging Everything at the Wrong Height
This is a subtle but critical mistake that can throw off your entire space. Artwork, curtain rods, and pendant lights are often placed either too high or too low, making everything feel unbalanced.
How to Fix It:
- Art: Hang artwork so the centre is 145-155 cm from the floor. This is eye level for most people.
- Curtains: Mount curtain rods high and wide, with curtains that just kiss the floor to create the illusion of taller ceilings.
- Pendant Lights: Hang pendants 30-36 inches above tables for the perfect proportion.
6. Ignoring Rugs or Choosing the Wrong Size
Rugs can define a space and add warmth, but the wrong size or placement can throw everything off.
How to Fix It:
- Ensure your rug is large enough so that at least the front legs of all major furniture pieces sit on it.
- In dining rooms, rugs should extend at least 24 inches beyond the table so chairs stay on the rug even when pulled out.
- Avoid small, “floating” rugs that don’t connect to furniture.
7. Too Many or Too Few Decorative Accessories
Overloading a space with accessories can make it feel cluttered, while too few can make it feel sterile.
How to Fix It:
- Use the rule of three when styling surfaces like coffee tables or bookshelves.
- Mix different textures, heights, and materials for a balanced look.
- Rotate accessories seasonally to keep things fresh.
8. Forgetting About Functionality
A space may look stunning, but if it doesn’t function well for your daily needs, it’s a design fail.
How to Fix It:
- Arrange furniture to facilitate natural movement and usability.
- Ensure there’s adequate storage for your lifestyle.
- Consider multipurpose furniture if working with a small space.
The Quickest Way to Transform Your Space
Before you invest in expensive renovations or new furniture, start by fixing these common mistakes. Simple adjustments can make an immediate difference in how your space looks and feels.
Are You Making These Interior Design Mistakes?
Take a look around your home and assess whether you’ve fallen into any of these traps. With just a few tweaks, you can elevate your space from amateur to professional!
More:
10 Living Room Interior Design Mistakes & How To Fix Them
20 “Ugly” Home Decorating Mistakes Interior Designers Always Spot
10 Common Design Mistakes You’re Probably Guilty of Making, According to Designers
